Former Ole Miss QB Matt Corral Returns To NFL, Signs Deal With Vikings

Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral might have another chance to become a starter in the NFL this upcoming season.

Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks to pass in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral is headed back to the National Football League for what could be his breakout moment.

Corral, who last played for the United Football League Birmingham Stallions, has agreed to terms on a new deal with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The contract details are currently unavailable at the time of this post.

The #Vikings have signed former #Panthers draft pick QB Matt Corral and placed J.J. McCarthy on injured reserve.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 16, 2024

Corral, a former third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, will compete with former first-rounder Sam Darnold for reps after Michigan's J.J. McCarthy suffered season-ending surgery. More than likely he's competing with veteran Nick Mullens for the No. 2 option this late into camp.

Mar 30, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Matt Corral (2) drops back to pass against the Arlington Renegades during the second half at Choctaw Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After being waived by the Panthers and New England Patriots, Corral signed with the Stallions of the UFL in February. While mainly a backup, he'd go on to help guide Birmingham to the league's championship game against San Antonio this spring. His best moment came during a postseason weekend when he came off the bench to complete 85 percent of his passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

In 10 games with the Stallions, Corral threw 494 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and rushed for 94 yards. He also was a member of Skip Holtz's third championship program in three seasons.

Corral, a two-year starter for the Rebels, threw for 8,287 yards and 57 touchdowns across four seasons, two of which were under Lane Kiffin in 2020 and 2021. He also rushed for 1,338 yards and 18 more scores while guiding Ole Miss to its first 10-win regular-season in program history in 2021.

The Rebels open the 2024 season at home against FCS Furman on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. CT.